1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 560 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1998 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Riviera | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2510 mm |
